On Tuesday, March 28th, homeowners through out the state of Illinois will once again join together at our state capitol in Springfield. It will be on this day homeowners can meet with their legislators and help influence the decision making process that affects our back doors and communities. Many communities have already started getting homeowners to sign up for bus seating. By attending this day we will have a voice in the decision making on future laws that will protect us and by joining together we will show legislators we are organized, numerous and involved. Legislators will be able to see our faces and hear our issues regarding the need for laws that will bring a fair balance between the homeowner and landlord. Illinois needs new laws to keep up with the changes in our housing market over the years that older laws no longer address.
Joining us on this day will be NBC News, Channel 5. Reporter and political columnist Carol Marin and producer Don Mosley will be riding down on one of the busses. They will report on our turnout and efforts towards getting elected officials to listen to us. Our unity on this day will speak volumes allowing for our combined voices to be heard loud and clear. Your presence will make a difference not only on this day but foe a more secure future.
With the help of Carol Marin and Don Mosley, our efforts and issues will be reported. It will be up to us as homeowners to get to Springfield and be counted for. Our numbers will show we hold elected officials accountable for improved laws regarding rent, leases and healthy manufactured communities in Illinois. No one else is going to do this for us; it is up to homeowners to take advantage of this day by attending.
MHOAI representatives will be at the capitol near the information station in the rotunda, on the first floor. We will have nametags along with material that you can present and leave with our legislators and/or staff. We will answer any questions you have, and help those who are attending for the first time. Everyone will need to bring a driver’s license or other form of ID. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. You will have to go through security, like that at an airport, so if possible, do not wear metal on clothing. If you have questions, please contact a MHOAI board director.
59 state senators and 118 state representatives in Illinois represent us. Once at the capitol you need to break into small groups and visit as many offices of our legislators as possible. Each small group should appoint someone to speak for the group when you meet with legislators. As your group’s representative, you need to know ahead of time what you want to say. Keep your conversation with legislators as brief as possible. While MHOAI has volunteers in Springfield during other days of session, this is your day to remind your elected officials that MHOAI is there on your behalf. This is the day to explain to elected officials of the unique situations that arise when you own the home but not the land the home sits on. Many still believe you can just up and move your home if you don’t like the landlord’s conditions. We must constantly work to remind elected officials that this is a myth. Our presence on this day will show elected officials we are educated voters and are watching how they vote at the state capitol once we vote them into their position.
When legislators go to the floor, you can watch from the galleries on the fourth floor as they vote on bills. There are two cafeterias for those who want to just rest for a while or eat. The capitol is handicapped accessible.
We hear from many that have attended past MHOAI Days that they were extremely pleased with the opportunity to be able to meet with homeowners from other communities throughout the state. This day also educates homeowners by showing that many communities have the same issues and we are not alone with the work that comes with correcting common issues in manufactured home communities.
If you are driving, you will find that many meters are for only 2 hours. If you get to the tourist center parking lot and do not find a space, go to the side street next to this parking lot, (located within residential housing), on Capitol Street there are 8 hour meters.
MHOAI would like to thank the many volunteers throughout the state who have donated their time in arranging buses, getting the word out, and everyone who is taking the time to travel to our state capitol.